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	Size The carat weight of a gemstone does not necessarily allow you to accurately envision the size of the gemstone. Different gemstones have different densities (mass per unit volume), so two gems that appear to be the same size may actually have very different weights. For example, a ruby is more dense than an emerald, so a 1-carat ruby will look smaller than a 1-carat emerald of the same dimensions. Gemstone Size and Shape Request the dimensions of a gemstone to ensure that the majority of the gemstone weight will be visible when set in the setting.



	Enchancement Almost every ruby or sapphire you'll find has been heated, which is a practice that's been going on for centuries. Heating completes a process nature started, enhancing the gemstone to amazing colors of blue and red. The centuries-old practice of immersing emeralds in oil has become so accepted that almost every emerald you'll find has been oiled. The oil fills tiny fissures (common in emeralds) and makes them more beautiful. The jewelry industry recognizes heating and oiling as acceptable and expected processes. Both of these processes are steps of the polishing and finishing process for almost all colored gemstones. The heating and oiling of gemstones are practices accepted by the jewelry industry, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), and by Orchid Gems. Nearly all gemstones available on the open market have been enhanced. Those that have not been enhanced are very rare and command extravagant prices. Before buying a gemstone that has not been enhanced ask to see a grading report, preferably one from a well-known gemstone grading lab (like the AGTA). The grading report should state that the gem shows no indication of enhancement by heat.
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